Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Boise, ID

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.1% Boise, ID is cheaper overall
10.6% 10.6% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.6% cheaper
Denver
132
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 6.7% cheaper
Denver
105
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 8.3% cheaper
Denver
96
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index1121047.1% less
Housing13211810.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,30019.8% less
Median Home Price$540,000$430,00020.4% less
Groceries101983.0% less
Transportation105986.7% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities96888.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Boise, ID
State Income Tax4.40%5.80%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boise costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boise to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Boise52°F
Population
Denver713,252
Boise235,684

Moving from Denver to Boise?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Boise → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boise →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Boise vs Portland → Boise vs Phoenix → Boise vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Boise is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $320 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Boise?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Boise?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $72,000 in Boise. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Boise?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Idaho averages 0.58%.